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Driver arrested for 'trafficking' Eight people found inside tanker
(about 2 hours later)
The driver of a chemical tanker in which eight people were found with breathing problems has been arrested on suspicion of people trafficking. Eight suspected illegal immigrants who were found in a chemical tanker and the vehicle's driver have been arrested on suspicion of immigration offences.
Police said a 55-year-old man is being questioned about the incident in Abbey Wood, south-east London. The eight people, including two boys aged 12 and 16, were taken to hospital after breathing in gas created by a chemical in the truck.
The eight people were taken to hospital after breathing in gas created by the load, a powdered carbon-based chemical. Fire crews were called to Abbey Wood, south-east London, after reports of a chemical incident.
They were found inside the truck, which had come from Germany. The Border and Immigration Agency has been informed. Officers said the eight people were believed to be from Eritrea.
London Fire Brigade said crews went to Harrow Manorway, Abbey Wood, in the London borough of Bexley at 0815 GMT after reports of a chemical incident. They are now being held on suspicion of immigration offences.
A 100m cordon was put in place on a section of the dual-carriageway to allow officers to check the tanker. 'Breathing problems'
Immigration agency Earlier the driver, 55, was questioned about the incident on Harrow Manorway in Abbey Wood, south London.
A 100m cordon was put in place on a section of the dual-carriageway to allow officers to check the tanker. The vehicle has now been removed from the scene.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said they were called by the driver after he stopped to check his load.A Metropolitan Police spokesman said they were called by the driver after he stopped to check his load.
London Ambulance Service (LAS) sent a hazardous area response team, an air ambulance, four ambulances and a fast response car to the scene.London Ambulance Service (LAS) sent a hazardous area response team, an air ambulance, four ambulances and a fast response car to the scene.
An LAS spokesman said the eight people were suffering "minor breathing problems".An LAS spokesman said the eight people were suffering "minor breathing problems".
The tanker is owned by H Freund, a German company with offices in Frechen, west Germany, and Runcorn, Cheshire.The tanker is owned by H Freund, a German company with offices in Frechen, west Germany, and Runcorn, Cheshire.
The company said it was liaising with the authorities over the circumstances of the incident.The company said it was liaising with the authorities over the circumstances of the incident.